CavalierCast - The Civil War in Words

At a moment when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, this is exactly the kind of podcast that deserves more attention, because it helps listeners better understand the English Revolution that did so much to shape the constitutional world that followed. I first discovered The Cavalier Cast through an episode on David Crowther’s History of England podcast while I was writing my master’s thesis on the English Revolution, and I was immediately hooked. Since then, it has become one of the most helpful and enjoyable history podcasts I know. The episode with John Rees on the Levellers was especially valuable to me. It was rich in historical insight and framed the Levellers’ democratic instincts within the wider constitutional crisis of the 1640s in a way that was both clear and compelling. It also helped illuminate how some of those Leveller ideas later found purchase with America’s Founding Fathers. Rees’ book, The Leveller Revolution, is an excellent work, and the episode was a great introduction to those themes. What makes this podcast stand out is not just its depth of knowledge, but the way Mark Turnbull brings the material to life. He obviously has fun, especially with his guests, and that infectious enthusiasm comes through in every episode. The result is a show that is scholarly, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable to listen to. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the English Civil War, the War of the Three Kingdoms, and the deeper roots of the Anglo-American constitutional tradition.

It’s nice to find a podcast entirely focused on the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Having never heard about it in grade school or at university, I’m making up for lost time! Great guests and hosting.

As an American listener, Mark puts the entire conflict into an organized format that I can follow with great interest and understanding. Quality and informative interviews and narratives. Please give it a listen.

And disappointed I didn’t do it sooner rather than listening here and there.